Year 11 students generally study:

Units 1 and 2 of English or English as a Second Language, English Language or Literature
ten other units (which might include a VET sequence). These units will usually be at the 1 and 2 level but it is possible to study units at the 3 and 4 level, provided the appropriate selection criteria are met.

There are benefits to be gained from study of VCE units at a higher level. Study of a Unit 3 and 4 sequence enables students to:

experience study at this level before entering a full Year 12 study program
lighten their work load at the Year 12 level
study a sixth subject, which may be of advantage for tertiary entrance purposes
qualify to study a University Extension Study in Year 12.

Year 11 students may study a VCE subject at a higher level if they are well organised, academically suited, and it is felt that the study will not adversely affect overall performance.

Students wishing to apply to study a Unit 3-4 when they are in Year 11 are required to submit an application that shows they meet the following criteria:

have achieved results of an 'A' standard (or nearly so) in all semester one subjects
demonstrate they are well organised and motivated to succeed
demonstrate strengths in the subject area of the proposed Unit 3-4 subject.

Note:

If a student undertakes study at the Unit 3 and 4 level and performs poorly and repeats the Units, a penalty may be applied by some institutions when determining tertiary offers.
At the end of Semester 1 students may wish to review their Unit 2 choices for Semester 2. Limited places may be available for students to make changes.

VCE > Year 11 and the VCE